Saturday it was happening. National power New Hampshire was racking up silly numbers and led ODU by 23 points early in the third quarter.

But here's something more remarkable: The fifth-ranked Monarchs rallied for a 64-61 victory that was, in every sense of the word, historic.

There will be, and should be, much lamenting among players and coaches over countless defensive breakdowns. But before addressing those and their macro implications, let's attempt, albeit inadequately, to comprehend the pyrotechnics witnessed by 20,068 spectators and a regional television audience.

ODU (4-0, 1-0 CAA) and 18th-ranked New Hampshire (2-2, 0-1) combined for the most yards in Championship Subdivision history (1,549) and the most points in CAA annals. The Monarchs had 507 yards and 40 points after intermission and, excluding a final-play knee, scored five touchdowns and a field goal on their final six possessions.

"That's the Old Dominion offense," quarterback Taylor Heinicke said with a straight face.

A true sophomore with just 13 games of college experience, the understated Heinicke is about to go viral, trend on Twitter and whatever else comes with football celebrity these days.

His 730 passing yards Saturday are a Division I record, his 791 yards in offense the most in college history at any level. Precisely orchestrating the Monarchs' fast-break, shotgun spread, he completed 55-of-79 throws, five of which produced touchdowns, without an interception.

Heinicke is blessed by an array of playmakers, Nick Mayers (12 receptions, 271 yards and three scores) chief among them. And his five offensive linemen, each of whom played all 106 snaps Saturday, shielded him throughout.

But Heinicke's grasp of the offense and poise under pressure border on Manning-esque.